Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime: fall prevention.
One in four adults over 65 will fall this year. Let that sink in. That’s not just a statistic, it’s our patients. The people who come to us every month for their prescriptions, advice, or just to chat about grandkids. For many of them, a single fall can mean hospitalization, a long recovery, or losing the independence they’ve worked so hard to maintain.
So, how do we, as pharmacists, step in? The answer: small, intentional steps that fit right into our daily workflow.
Fall Prevention Awareness Week: A Perfect Conversation Starter
Did you know Fall Prevention Awareness Week is a national campaign held the first week of fall? This year, it runs September 22–26.
It’s a natural opportunity to spark conversations with patients about safety, risk factors, and easy changes that can prevent life-changing injuries. A quick chat about fall risk could be just as impactful as checking a blood pressure or recommending a flu shot.
Check out this GameChangers Fall Prevention Tips for Pharmacy Practice episode.
Medications: The Usual Suspects
We know medications can be a big part of the fall equation. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioids
- Sedative-hypnotics
Sound familiar? Yes—many of these overlap with the Beers Criteria. That makes our role even clearer:
- Stop medications when possible.
- Switch to safer alternatives.
- Reduce to the lowest effective dose.
The CDC’s STEADI initiative (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) has excellent screening and intervention resources designed specifically for us in pharmacy practice.
A Quick Tool You’ll Actually Use
Here’s something you can integrate tomorrow: the Falls Free Checkup from the National Council on Aging. It’s a 13-question online tool that patients can complete while waiting for prescriptions.
The Falls Free initiative has many resources for you to use at your pharmacy practice:
- NCOA Aging Well (for people 65+)
Not only does it spark conversation, but it also gives you a springboard to talk through specific risks and solutions. Easy, actionable, and patient-centered.
Beyond Medications: Home Hazards to Watch For
It’s not just what’s in the pillbox—sometimes it’s what’s in the house. Encourage your patients to:
- Remove throw rugs, clutter, and cords.
- Add brighter lighting in dark spaces.
- Install grab bars and use handheld showerheads.
- Place chairs near dressing areas for balance.
Even these small adjustments can be game-changers in keeping patients upright and independent.
Why This Matters
With 76 million Boomers moving into older adulthood, fall prevention isn’t just another item on our to-do list—it’s a public health priority.
As pharmacists, we’re uniquely positioned to catch risks that others may miss. We’re often the healthcare professionals patients see most frequently, and that trust puts us in the perfect place to make a difference.
So, let’s lean in. Check out the latest GameChangers Fall Prevention Tips for Pharmacy Practice episode featuring Kristin Meyer, PharmD, BCHP, FASCP. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to bring into your conversations this fall—and beyond.
Because at the end of the day, keeping our patients safe and independent? That’s the ultimate game changer.
